Drake Kinsella, Cade Allee Make All-State Squad

Drake Kinsella and Cade Allee were the first ever Worth County basketball athletes to make all-state as they were both named to the squad following the conclusion of Worth County’s season. They helped the Tigers go 22-8 for the year; they ended Stanberry’s 39 game winning streak and win their first district title since 1982-83. They also helped the Tigers make their deepest ever post-season run, making it all the way to quarterfinals before losing to North Andrew. Worth County also downed Jefferson for the first time in 21 years.

Grant City Sends Out Four Letters of Violation for Barking Dogs

The City of Grant City sent out four letters of violation concerning barking dogs last month. One of those owners had seven dogs, while another one had a dog that was chasing kids. City ordinances require residents to have no more than three adult dogs. Residents can keep puppies for a certain length of time before they have to find them a home. One had their dog removed from city limits. The city council referred the cases to the city attorney at their regular meeting Wednesday.

Mark Bartlett of the engineering firm Bartlett & West of St. Joseph came to the meeting to request a proposal for Gentry County PWSD #2 to connect to the waterline. They will send a proposal for the council to consider.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz came to discuss ideas for cleaning up the town during the school’s community service day later this spring. Ideas included cleaning the pool park and working on flower beds. Students will go to all communities to do community service work.

Dr. Martz also reported that the school was looking into getting a recycling program and that they were also looking into hazardous waste, such as household batteries. The school will select two new student representatives for the council, as they lose their current two members to graduation.
Water Superintendent Caleb Moyer reported that the city had gotten a new sewer camera and had found some bad spots. He said they plan to fix a line near Cathy James’.

The city voted to spend between $810 and $935 to update their code book. The city approved the gas contract with B.P. Energy.

Cleanup Day for the city was set for June 3rd this year.

The city approved an annual $400 fee to Gilmore & Bell for tax compliance services. The city approved a rate increase for Midwest Data for $1 a month. The council donated one individual season pass for the pool to the After Prom.

The city went into closed session following their regular meeting. The council voted to hire eight lifeguard applicants for the pool and approved a 2% cost of living increase for regular employees.

Junior High Girls Fall One Point Short in Early Bird; Boys Finish Third, Andrew Alarcon Wins Twice While Adwell Wins Pole Vault

Worth County’s girls came up one point short at their early bird meet Tuesday, while the boys were third. Girls coach April Healy said that point would be hard to come by this year, but the positive thing about Tuesday’s match is that the girls will surprise some people this year. Albany won the meet with 78 team points, followed by Worth County with 77, Platte Valley 58, St. Joseph Christian 54, King City 35, North Andrew 32, Northeast Nodaway 28, Union Star 27, South Harrison 19, Stanberry 18, North Harrison 18, North-West Nodaway 9, Princeton 7, and Pattonsburg 2.

On the boys side, the Tigers were third behind St. Joseph Christian and South Harrison. South Harrison won the event with 89 points, followed by Christian with 71 and Worth County with 61. Also placing were Albany with 49, North-West Nodaway 46, Pattonsburg 36, Princeton 35, Platte Valley 30, North Andrew 16, Union Star 12, North Harrison 12, Northeast Nodaway 6, and Stanberry 1.

Aivry Griffin was sixth in the 200 with a time of 32.15.

Braidy Hunt was in one of the best races of the day in the 800, in which any of four athletes could have one it. Hunt, along with Malia Collins (Platte Valley) tailed behind Emma Tipton (North Andrew), who set the pace through 1½ laps. Hunt and Collins finally caught and passed Tipton on the final turn, only for Gabby Newman (Albany) to pass everyone at the end to win. Hunt finished second with a time of 2:45.79.

The Tigers placed two in the 100 hurdles. Jill Hardy was second with a time of 19.78. Aivry Griffin was sixth with a time of 20.91.

The 4x100 team of Megan Cassavaugh, Morgan Beagle, Keelin Engel, and Anna Spainhower was second with a time of 1:00.26. The 4x200 team of Megan Cassavaugh, Keelin Engel, Jill Hardy, and Anna Spainhower was 4th with a time of 2:08.17. The 4x400 team of Megan Cassavaugh, Allison Larison, Jill Hardy, and Braidy Hunt was second with a time of 4:53.69.

Aivry Griggin was third in the high jump with a height of 4 feet, while Justina Wimer was fifth with a height of 3’8”.

Keelin Engel won the Pole Vault with a height of 7’6”.

The girls placed two in the Long Jump. Allison Larison was fourth with a jump of 13’1½”. Megan Cassavaugh was sixth with a jump of 12’9”.

Braidy Hunt won the Triple Jump with a distance of 28’10”. Anna Spainhower was fourth with a jump of 26’5”.

Emilee Brown was sixth in the Discus with a throw of 63’5”.

Andrew Alarcon won his first event on the boys side by winning the 100, edging out Colby Yslas (South Harrison) and Justice Cook (South Harrison) in a three-way race. Alarcon won with a time of 12.79, while Yslas had 12.88 and Cook 12.95. Andrew Alarcon had a much easier time in the 200, which he won with a time of 27.01, over a second ahead of his nearest competitor.

Nathan Adwell was fifth in the 400 with a time of 1:04.71.

Jace Cousatte was sixth in the 1600 with a time of 5:50.34.

Aydan Gladstone was third in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 19.63.

The 4x100 team of Aydan Gladstone, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Nate Adwell was third with a time of 55.74. The 4x200 team of Aydan Gladstone, Reid Gabriel, Alex Rinehart, and Lucas Wake was fifth with a time of 1:57.06. The 4x400 team of Andrew Alarcon, Reid Gabriel, Jace Cousatte, and Nate Adwell was third with a time of 4:24.62.

Nate Adwell won the Pole Vault handily, as he posted a height of 10 feet. That was over two feet ahead of his nearest competitor. Aydan Gladstone was fourth with a height of 7 feet.

Andrew Alarcon was fifth in the Long Jump with a distance of 15’11½”.

Reid Gabriel was fifth in the Discus with a throw of 91’9”.

In Memory of Byron Miller

Byron Miller, long-time principal at Northeast Nodaway, farmer, hustler, puzzlemaker, and locksmith passed away earlier this month. People like him do not come around very often.

He was a constant presence in the community well after he put in his 30 years and retired as the principal. He left his mark at Northeast, where he taught the kids jump-roping tricks as they were growing up. Many folks had the theory that was instrumental in the development of all the strong teams Northeast had over the years, given that quick feet are necessary for strong defensive play.

Mr. Miller was one of the most clairvoyant human beings around; he could guess your birthday within three days. Naturally, he would guess Wednesday, which is within three days of any day of the week.

He won countless quarters (he collected quarters from all 50 states) in bets over races that he ran. He would bet that he could run a race with you. The trick was, he never said anything about winning – just that he would run the race.

And then there were the puzzles that bedeviled plenty of folks in the area. When Northwest Implement was on the east side of Maryville, he left this lockbox for people to try to open. Try as they might, nobody at the place could do it, and everyone thought he was putting one over on them. The problem with that theory was, he would come in and flick the contraption open with one twist of the hand. “Would I do something like that,” he would ask as everyone in the background was nodding their heads that he would.

Obituary -- Eldon Cordell 1926-2017

Eldon R. Cordell, 90, of Savannah, MO, and formerly of Hopkins and Sheridan, MO, passed away on Friday, March 03, 2017, at LaVerna Village Nursing Home, Savannah, MO.

Eldon was born on July 26, 1926, in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.  The family moved to the Sheridan area in the early 1950’s, where Eldon and his family farmed most of his life.

He farmed and worked for Dr. Hardon in Bedford, IA. Later he helped his Dad farm near Sheridan.

He also drove the school bus at North Nodaway School and worked for Maryville Implement Co.

He was a mason and a 47 year member of the Xenia Lodge #50, AF & AM, Hopkins, MO

His parents were Joseph Ray and Leona Garland (Mayfield) Cordell.  They preceded him in death.  He was also preceded by 4 siblings; Irene Florea, Evelyn Brown, John D. Cordell and Elaine Wake.
On August 7, 1948, at the Nodaway County Courthouse in Maryville, Eldon was united in marriage to Norma Jean Musick.  They were married 62 years before her death in 2010.

His survivors include his son, Richard R., and wife Sue Cordell, Grain Valley, MO; his grandchildren, Amy Cordell, Kansas City, MO, and Bradley R., and wife Melinda Cordell, Savannah, MO; 2 great grandchildren, Sophia M. and Steven R. Cordell, Savannah, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services and burial were at 2:00 PM, on Tuesday March 7, 2017, at the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville, MO.

The family received friends for one hour prior to services on Tuesday, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the AsceraCare Hospice, 301 E. Price, Savannah, MO, or to LaVerna Village Nursing Home, 904 S. Hall Avenue, Savannah, MO 64485.

For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Byron Miller 1932-2017

Byron N. Miller, Jr., 84, of Ravenwood, MO, passed away surrounded by his family on March 5, 2017, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, MO.

Byron was born in Ravenwood, MO, on August 29, 1932. His parents were Byron, Sr, and Zella Miller.

He was a graduate of Northeast Nodaway R-V in 1951, and later received his Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University.

He married Marlene Miller on June 8, 1952, and they were married for 64 years.  Together they had 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Byron was a man of many trades. He retired as an elementary school principal at Northeast Nodaway after 30 years.  He was also a farmer and cattleman.  He was involved in the American Legion, Lions Club, 4-H, and the Beekeeper Club.  Byron had many hobbies and spent his free time enjoying bee keeping, playing tricks and riddles, knife and coin collecting.

Byron was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Gwynetha, wife, Marlene, and daughter Julie Lynn.

He is survived by his 2 sons, Daniel of Ravenwood, and his children, Carl and wife Karen, of Ravenwood, and their children, Brea, Justin, Colton, Summer, and Cynthia,  his daughter, Jennifer and husband Billy Ritchie, of Grand Junction, IA, and their children, Lane and Alexis, his son, David and wife Irma of Ravenwood, MO, and their children, Kyle of Ravenwood, MO, and his son Brayden, daughter Kateline, of Ravenwood, and his beloved dog, Peanut Butter.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at the Ravenwood Methodist Church, Ravenwood, MO.  The burial followed at the Oak Lawn Cemetery, also of Ravenwood.

The family received friends from 6-8:00 PM, on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville. MO.

For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com

Tiger Boys Win Early Bird, Girls Place Second; Anna Gladstone Wins Three Firsts, Merrideth Spiers Posts Longest Discus Throw Since 2006

Worth County’s boys were first and the girls second at the Early Bird held Thursday. The boys won with 121 team points, followed by Mound City with 93, South Harrison 89, King City 71½, North Andrew 70, East Union 37, Stanberry 33, Winston 30, Albany 14½, Northeast Nodaway 14, Tri-County 10, North Harrison 5, and Union Star 1. The girls gave the defending state champion Mound City team a run for its money, but came up short. Mound City had 150 points, followed by Worth County with 137, Stanberry 78, King City 74, South Harrison 47, North Harrison 31, Tri-County 26, Tarkio 25, East Union 10, Albany 4, North Andrew 4, and Winston 1.

Payton Adwell was second in the 100 with a time of 14.78, .31 of a second behind Summer Beaty (South Harrison). Adwell edged out Carley Baker (Mound City) at the finish to claim the silver medal. Adwell was also second in the 200, posting a time of 29.26. She was .69 of a second behind Grace Schottel (King City), who will be one of the favorites in the 200 and 400 this year.
Kristen New was third in the 3200, posting a time of 14:29.47.

Anna Gladstone won the 100 Hurdles handily, posting a time of 17.47 and beating out Emma Gibson (Mound City) by .95 of a second. Competing in the 300 Hurdles for the first time ever, she started out in last place, but starting passing people and got up to fourth by the turn. By the time they got to the grandstand, she was in first and came home with a time of 52.91. It was shy of the honor roll, which is at 51 seconds, but it was still an impressive time for the first time competing in that event.

The 4x200 relay team of Nevada Hoff, Jessi Badell, Regan Allee, and Liz Lyle was fourth with a time of 2:03.32. Mound City ran away with that event, winning by almost five seconds. The 4x400 team of Jessi Badell, Abbi Caddenhead, Kristin New, and Regan Allee was sixth with a time of 5:14.48. The 4x800 team of Rachael Gardner, Kristin New, Sophia Obermuller, and Abbi Caddenhead was fifth with a time of 13.28.58.

The Tigers placed two in the High Jump. Liz Lyle was second with a jump of 4’10”, while Anna Gladstone was third with a jump of 4’8”.

The girls also placed two in the Pole Vault. Regan Allee was second with a vault of 8’6”, while Jessi Badell was third with a vault of 7’6”.

Anna Gladstone’s third win was in the Long Jump, where she won handily with a leap of 15’10”. That was over one foot longer than second place Abigail Rapp (King City). Liz Lyle was third with a leap of 14’6½”.

Liz Lyle posted another medal in the Triple Jump, where she was second with a jump of 31’5”.
Merrideth Spiers won the Shot Put, getting a throw of 32’10½”. She also won the Discus with a throw of 117’2”. It was not a school record, but it was the longest throw in 11 years, when Megan Walker threw it for 120 feet in Albany in 2006. April Miller (now Healy) holds the school record with a throw of 130’10”. Spiers’ throw was 23’1” ahead of the nearest competition. Kennedy Galanakis was second with a throw of 94’1”.

The girls placed two in the Javelin. Rachael Gardner was fourth with a throw of 87’1, while Kaylee McElvain was right behind her at fifth with a throw of 81’1”.

The boys won despite placing only one athlete in the running events. Daniel Craven was third in the 3200 with a time of 12:21.13.

Bryant McCord won the 110 Hurdles with a time of 17.98; he easily won the event as his next closest competitor, Aiden DeLong (North Andrew), had a time of 19.22. Tevin Cameron and Matthew Poppa (Mound City) had an epic duel in the 300 Hurdles, with Cameron’s lean at the end coming up just short; he finished second with a time of 44.26. Bryant McCord was third with a time of 46.46.

The 4x200 of Bryant McCord, Caleb Parman, Jaxon Anderson, and Tevin Cameron was second with a time of 1:41.91. The other relay team to place was the 4x800. The team of Alec Summers, Jeremy Wimer, Harley Charles, and Daniel Craven was sixth with a time of 10:46.06.

Bryant McCord was fourth in the High Jump with a jump of 5’6”.

Daniel Craven was fourth in the Pole Vault with a jump of 8 feet.

Tevin Cameron won the Long Jump handily with a leap of 20’½”. That was almost a foot ahead of second place finisher Devin Breckinridge. Caleb Parman was third with a jump of 18’11¼”.

The Tigers were 1-2 in the Triple Jump. Caleb Parman broke the 40 foot barrier with a jump of 40’2”. Ryan McClellan was second with a jump of 39’½”.

The boys placed two in the Shot Put. Drake Kinsella was second with a throw of 29’2½”, while Mason Hawk was third with a throw of 38’10”. The boys also placed two in the Discus. Drake Kinsella was third with a throw of 102’11”, while Mason Hawk was sixth with a throw of 98’2”.

Jacob New was second in the Javelin with a throw of 112’4”.

Obituary -- Wilma Moutray 1923-2017

Wilma Moutray was born August 2, 1923 in Worth County, Missouri to Wilbur and Jessie (Powers) Black. She passed away March 26, 2017 in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 93.

Wilma was married to Dale Moutray. He preceded her in death. Wilma worked for Holland & Sons Oil Company as a bookkeeper. She loved people and especially kids. She enjoyed gardening and crocheting.

She was also preceded in death by daughter Sandra Moutray, parents, 3 brothers: Austin, Verlin and Willis Black; and 4 sisters: Pearl Dunlap, Gertrude Hollingsworth, Edith Cole and Mabel Krugh.
She is survived by daughter Jackie Moutray of Council Bluff, Iowa; 1 grandson; 3 great-grandchildchildren; and 2 sisters: Alice Henggler of Raytown, Missouri and Betsy Pacini of Manteca, California.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery near Parnell, Missouri. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to service time.

Worth County Sheriff's Report

–Person calls to report missing people that lived in Worth County, but residents were fine and had moved away.
–Person in to talk with officers.
–Person has horse and cow out on 46; owner notified.
–Person in to talk with officer.
–Person called to report a possible fire, but they couldn’t get a hold of the owner of property, looked into it, and notified neighbor.
–Person came in to talk with officer.

Obituary -- Ann Waldeier 1936-2017

Ann Hope (Schilling) Waldeier, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home in Grant City, MO on March 25, 2017.

Born October 3, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, to Leo Edward and Ina Madge Schilling, she graduated from Grant City High School in 1954 and Northwest Missouri State College with a degree in Vocational Home Economics in 1958. She taught at Martinsville, Sheridan and Grant City for 30 years. She loved to substitute teach in Grant City and Mt. Ayr, IA after her retirement in 1989.

On April 4, 1958, Ann married Don Waldeier in Maryville, MO. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include her two children: daughter, Cindy (Mark) Rackers, Jefferson City and son, Donnie Waldeier, Grant City; three grandchildren: Kellen (Morgan) Waldeier, Norwalk, IA; Kelsey Wilkinson, Orlando, FL and Drew (Kelsey) Wilkinson, Columbia, MO; and two great-grandchildren: Reegan Kay Waldeier and Leighton Ann Wilkinson. Also surviving are in-laws, Lorace (Virginia) Waldeier; Connie (Mike) Eighmy; Elaine Downing and first cousin, Rose Elaine (Schilling) Long.  
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Ina Schilling; brothers and spouses, Dan and Don Schilling; sister, Kay Perks and brother-in-law, Leslie Norman Downing.

Services: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City, MO with burial immediately following at the Grant City Cemetery.

Visitation: 6:00-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Worth County Education Foundation, 510 East Avenue, Grant City, MO 64456.

North Nodaway Proposes $675,000 Bond Issue

The North Nodaway School District will run a $675,000 general obligation bond issue on the April 4th ballot. It will extend, but not increase the current 59 cent debt service levy of the district. Proceeds will be used for the replacement and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; upgrading technology and fire safety district wide; resurfacing parking lots; purchasing buses; and complete other projects as remaining funds permit.

Passage of the bond issue requires four sevenths majority. Bonds will be sold in increments of $5,000, and investors will be exempt from federal and state income taxes. The average market interest rate is expected to be less than 2.5%.

The current 59 cent debt service levy will be extended six years. It was set to expire in 2019, but passage will extend it to 2025. This is possible due to growth in assessed valuation, interest savings from previous bond refinancings and prepayment of principal, and low interest rates.
The district will be able to prepay the bonds at no penalty should fund balances become large enough for that to occur.

Local investors will have an opportunity to purchase the bonds prior to them being offered to others. If you are interested in purchasing some of the bonds, please notify the district, and they will contact you after the election.

The district can expect to receive an AA+ rating by Standard & Poor’s on the bonds. Missouri school districts are eligible in most cases to participate in the Missouri Direct Deposit Program, which will provide each issuer with an AA+ rating.

Obituary -- Helen Dye 1928-2017

Helen June Dye, 89 of Glendale, Arizona passed away March 22, 2017. She was born February 11, 1928 in Grant City, Missouri.

June was a Grant City High School graduate and attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. She worked for Worth County Division of Family Services for 42 years, retiring in 1988.
She married Harold Dye on April 5, 1947. They had one daughter, Carol Ann Mullen. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Surviving are daughter Carol Mullen of the home, granddaughter, Diana Dye of Liberty, Missouri, great-grandson, Jesse Starke, great-granddaughters, Brittney and Hayley Starke, all of Glendale Arizona, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and other close family, Jason Starke and Brashae Starke.

There will be no visitation or service. Private burial will be in the Honey Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.

Sandra Sue (Hass) Findley 1950-2017

Sandra Sue (Hass) Findley was brought into the world on October 11, 1950 to Lester (Sonny) and Bernice Hass in Grant City, Missouri.  She passed from this life on March 22, 2017 peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Northwest Medical Center in Albany, Missouri.

Sandy was united in marriage to David Findley on October 12, 1979.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and caregiver.  She enjoyed gardening, hunting, the beach and spending time with her family.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Lester (Sonny) and Bernice Hass, grandson Rylie Findley, father-in-law Richard (Dick) Findley, and niece April Lawyer.

Surviving are her husband David Findley of the home, son Joey Findley and his wife Lisa ,St. Joseph, son Casey Findley, Grapevine, Texas, daughter Melody Findley, Grant City, grandson Clayton Loubey, St. Joseph, mother-in-law Delores Findley, Albany, sister Rose (Larry) Vance, Maryville, niece Rosemary (Kirby) Steins, Conception Junction, and niece Kim Trease, Maryville.

Memorial Services will be 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 31, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City with visitation one hour prior to service. No scheduled inurnment at this time.

Obituary -- Robert Lang 1933-2017

Robert Earl Lang was born April 14, 1933 to Charles and Georgia (Bryant) Lang in Sheridan, Missouri. He passed away on March 21, 2017 at the Pine View Manor in Stanberry, Missouri at the age of 83.

Robert worked for the railroad as a railroad tie layer. He also worked for MFA. Left to cherish his memory are 3 daughters: Margaret Stevens of Bedford, Iowa, Norma Lang of Black Creek, Florida, Mary Kilpatrick of Quincy, Washington, son: Ben Lang of Worth, Missouri, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Robert will be missed by all who knew and love him.

Funeral Services will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Interment will be in the Bethel Cemetery near Grant City. Open visitation anytime after noon Thursday, March 23, 2017. 

Flustered Playwright Scrambles to Deliver Murder Mystery at Roxy

The North Nodaway School Play, “Murders in the Heir,” was a scramble to get done because Billy St. John, the author, wanted to get the play just right. He was constantly calling Mr. T, the director, with one last-minute change after another. There was one problem – Mr. St. John could never make up his mind who the murderer ought to be. Consequently, the audience had to vote on who the murderer was. The cast had to practice all five scenarios and be ready to do any one of five, depending on who was the unlucky winner.

The eccentric billionaire, Simon Starkweather, one of the world’s first, summoned his entire family down to his home in the backwoods to tell them about important changes to his will. He announced to shocked family members and servants that as of the next morning, the will, which had initially provided generously for them after he was gone, would be null and void. Instead, he designated a surrogate parent to raise him up after he was cloned using a new, experimental procedure. The money would be kept in trust and be used to pay expenses, except for some token gifts to family members, and once Simon came of age again, he would be free to begin making money again – and perhaps becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

Mr. Starkweather (Garrett Torres), despite all his wealth, was on his last legs. He needed an oxygen tank, machines, medicine, and round the clock nursing care just to stay alive. There was no time to waste, and the signing of the new will was set for tomorrow morning. As family members expressed their anger and consternation over what had just happened, a storm that had been moving in the area got out of hand, knocking out the power, and forcing everyone to rely on candles – another thing that all Mr. Starkweather’s wealth could not prevent. But before the will could be signed, there was a ringing of the bell, which Mr. Starkweather used to summon the nurse. When he was brought out, everyone realized he was dead. “Maybe the old man did himself in,” said Rufus (Jordan Snyder), the hick servant at the bottom of the totem pole who everyone wondered why he hadn’t been fired yet. But the truth turned out to be much more sinister – he had been strangled to death, and it had been made to look natural. It was up to Mike Davis (Cole Bird), the investigator, to piece together the puzzle since the power was out and the police would not have access to the place until the morning.

Cast members were Garrett Torres, Faith Adwell, Drew Roderick, Emily Dew, Trevor Brown, Kelsi Oberhauser, Leslie Richardson, Bailey Tate, Jordan Snyder, Abigail Ferguson, Jaiden Hopkins, Layna Murphy, Cole Bird, Greg Thompson, Shelbie King, and The Cat. Director was Nine Dewhurst. Props Mistress was Tarynne Poe. In charge of lights was Madison Thompson. In charge of sound was Bethany Herndon. Technical assistants were Olivia Miller and Audrey Trimble. Doing set construction were Brian Roderick, Drew Roderick, Scott Lance, Alyssabeth Roderick, and Alex Roderick. In charge of the house were Jaclyn Smail and Salena Condray. Ticket takers were Saylor Brown, Alonna Cross, Alyssabeth Roderick, and Alexus Strough.

Mountain Lion Spotted South of Allendale

A mountain lion was spotted south of Allendale 2-3 weeks ago. It was spotted along a dirt road between Denver and Allendale near a wooded area. Male mountain lions frequently roam hundreds of miles looking for food and mates. Mating season generally ranges from December to March. There was a confirmed female mountain lion sighting in southern Missouri earlier this year. There are 20,000 mountain lions in the western part of the country. Although Missouri is part of their historic range, the Missouri Department of Conservation is not reintroducing mountain lions to the state and has no plans to do so.

Grass Fire Strikes Southeast of Sheridan

A grass fire struck southeast of Sheridan Saturday afternoon at around 3 pm east of Vern Mitchell’s home at 170th & Colt. The Parnell Fire Department initially responded to the call, which was in their district. Later, further calls came into 911 and Sheridan and Grant City units responded. Fireman Justin Rush said the Sheridan Fire Department had been supervising controlled burns all morning since 9:00 and had supervised about 250 acres worth when they got the call. The Parnell crew said they were glad Sheridan arrived when they did, because they were nearly out of water. Between 3:30 and 4, the blaze, aided by a stiff south wind and a warm day, jumped 170th road and burned a small area north of the road before being contained. Area landowners were scrambling to move hay out of the area in case the fire spread. The breeze died down later in the day and the extra manpower allowed the blaze to be contained by 4:30.

Musket Lifters Third at Home Power Lift

The North/West Nodaway Muskets finished third in their home power lift that was held Saturday, March 11th. They competed against bigger schools, but still were able to medal.

Karissa Oberhauser won gold in junior high. She benched 95, squatted 105, and was 85 on the hang clean. In the men’s 167 & under in the junior high, Karson Oberhauser won gold, getting 115 in the bench, 175 in the squat, and 145 in the hang clean. Gabe Goff got overall gold, getting 175 in the bench, 315 in the squat, and 175 in the hang clean.

At the high school level, MaKayla Cross got gold in the 153 & under division as she got 110 in the bench, 275 in the squat, and 115 in the hang clean. In the men’s 134 & under, Tyler Bix got bronze in the bench with a lift of 125 pounds He got gold in the squat with a lift of 235, and gold in the hang clean with a lift of 135.

Dalton Smyser won silver in the bench press with a lift of 135 pounds. He got a bronze in the squat with a lift of 130 pounds, and was  silver in the hang clean with a lift of 115.

Alex Roderick got silver in the bench with a lift of 175. He won gold in the squat with a lift of 325, and gold in the hang clean with a lift of 190.

In the 145 & under, Trevor Brown got a bronze in the bench, with a lift of 165 pounds. In the 164 & under, Dakota Smyser got silver in the hang clean with a lift of 185 pounds.

Jordan Snyder was silver in the bench, with a lift of 195. He was also silver in the hang clean with a lift of 225. He won gold in the squat, with a lift of 450. With that lift, he moved to second in the school record board; he also set a personal best with 870 pounds overall.

Shenandoah won gold at the lift with 290 total points. They were followed by Nodaway-Holt with 288 points, and North Nodaway with 170 points for the bronze.

Coach Cody Marriott said that Karson Oberhauser, Karissa Oberhauser, and Gabe Goff all stood out in the junior high division. “Shenandoah brought 25 kids and Nodaway-Holt brought 17-18, but we competed, and it’s good for the kids to push themselves and get experience,” he said. He said that they were looking to get Jordan Snyder to the top spot on the leaderboard following his squat of 450 pounds. And he said Alex Roderick, who will go out for football next fall, earned his gold medal with hard work by coming in several times a week to lift.

He said that to get more than two wins next year, it would take kids understanding the need to get into the weight room and make themselves stronger during the offseason. The Muskets only won two games, but they were only a few possessions away from having a 5-5 year instead.

Mustang Baseball Posts Run Rule Victory in Opener

North Nodaway posted an 11-1 run rule victory over North Harrison in their opener Friday despite it being played on St. Patrick’s Day. The young Mustang squad got all the hitting they needed from their underclassman, three of whom got critical hits.

Jake Shipman’s squad got its first runs of the season in the bottom of the first. North Nodaway got its leadoff man in Dakota Smyser on base with a walk and he stole second, but it looked like he would be stranded after Logan Keho and Peyton Coleman struck out. But then Smyser took third on a wild pitch, Arron Coleman reached on catcher’s interference, and stole second, restarting North Nodaway’s chances. That brought up freshman Ryan Riley, who promptly stepped up like a veteran and knocked them both in to make it 2-0.

North Harrison got its lone tally in the second when Collin Castleberry walked to lead off and later came around to score on a three base throwing error when Tyler Bix threw away a bunt and Ryan Thomsen made it to third with one out. But Trey Gilliland flied out to Dakota Smyser in center, too shallow to score Thomsen and pitcher Peyton Coleman picked off Thomsen to end the threat.
In the top of the third, Logan Huitt walked with one out, but was promptly shot down stealing as Tyler Bix showed that he had a rifle for an arm behind the plate for North Nodaway.

The Shamrock pitcher, Gilliland, kept North Nodaway shut down until the third, when he started fighting the strike zone and walked Logan Keho to lead off. Peyton Coleman singled, but Keho hesitated coming around second and was gunned down at third with Coleman taking second. Arron Coleman walked and Riley was plunked to load the bases, but Jordan Snyder struck out for the second out and it looked like North Nodaway would go down quietly. But then Gilliland plunked his second batter of the inning, Makayla Cross to force in Peyton and Bix walked to force in Arron Coleman and North Nodaway was up 4-1.

Breakingballer J.D. Baker came on to replace Gilliland and struck out Austin Bird, but ran into trouble with the top of the order in the fourth. Dakota Smyser walked and stole second and scored when Logan Keho whistled a single past short to score him. Peyton Coleman grounded to third, but the third baseman threw away the force at second and Keho made it to third. Coleman stole second, Arron Coleman walked to load the bases, and Riley got a solid hit right at second which was enough to bring in Keho to make it 6-1.

That finished Baker and brought in Randy Rinehart for the Shamrocks, but freshman Dalton Smyser greeted him with a solid single that brought in two more runs to break it open. MaKayla Cross struck out, but Tyler Bix walked, Garret Torres was plunked for the third hit batter of the game, and Dakota Smyser’s pop fly dropped in untouched behind second. With two outs, everyone was off on the crack of the bat and two more runs scored to make it 10-1.

Mustang pitcher Peyton Coleman was on a pitch count limit as he was nearing 75 pitches. It looked like he would get through as Ryan Jones grounded out to Arron Coleman at short. But then Trey Gilliland’s grounder hit the mound, bounced 20 feet up into the air, and he got a scratch hit. J.D. Baker struck out, but then Arron Coleman had to replace Peyton as he had reached his pitch limit. Tyler Lundy walked to put two on, but then Arron settled down and struck out Logan Huitt to get out of the inning.

Peyton Coleman tripled to right center as the ball sliced hard away from the center fielder and Arron Coleman grounded out to bring him home for the 11th run.

Worth County School Board Rehires All Teachers

The Worth County School Board offered all their certified teachers contracts for the 2017-2018 school year following a brief closed session after their regular Board of Education Meeting Thursday evening. For the non-tenured elementary, rehired were Nanci Drury, Amanda Pottorff, Bryce Schafer, Stephanie Scofield, and Jami Stalder. Tenured elementary staff rehired were Stormy Hayes, Leena Hightshoe, Amy Jackson, Jodi Lawrence, Patty Pischer, Linda Phipps, and Trisha Ross. Non-tenured staff rehired for high school included Karen Andrews, Tiffany Bliley, Coleen Combs, Blaire Owens, Julie Capps, and William Coleman. Tenured staff rehired included Jonell Cook, Amy Garrett, April Healy, Chris Healy, Selina O'Connor, Farrah Richey, Kelley Ross, Josh Smith, Merry Spiers, and Julia Wideman.

The board conducted a brief public hearing on the school calendar, since it running early this year. Afterwards, no changes were made to the 2017-2018 calendar. School was called off for one afternoon due to the Sectional Basketball game that Worth County's boys played in. While some schools such as Jefferson call off school during Show-Me Showdown, the Worth County school board decided to have the administration make the call on whether or not to have school on a case by case basis. "Do we do it for state golf?" asked board member Tish Warner.

Teachers Patty Lischer and Julie Capps gave presentations about their work during the CTA portion of the board meeting. Lischer reported that they were doing data-driven instruction in the elementary and working with students on setting academic goals for themselves.

Julie Capps talked about her time in general since coming to Worth County. She said it was a leap of faith to move across the state, but that it was worth it every day. She reported that she was teaching students how to play the recorder starting in 5th grade. She said the High School band was doing well and was not afraid to ask questions. A new 6th grade band has also been formed. She said they had really taken off after the Christmas break and that she wanted to see them enter into contests at some point. The high school band resurrected the old school fight song, "Faithful and True-Hearted" and is playing at football and basketball games.

The 5th and 6th graders and Junior High competed in honor choir last fall. Capps said her favorite part of teaching band was concerts and competitions. She is heavily involved with musical and professional organizations; she is a member of the Missouri Bandmasters Association. She drives to Liberty to go to the North Winds Symphonic Band and also goes to Cameron to perform.

At the elementary level, Capps reported that the Cat in the Hat came to school earlier this month and donated books to the school library. During the week of February 27th to March 5th, there were dress-up days at the elementary. Monday was Red & Blue day, Tuesday was crazy socks, Wednesday was wear green, Thursday was Twin Day, and Friday was Hat Day. A new Tri-Music Honor Society has been formed at the school, which will give the students more recognition. The school has 16 ensembles planned for the Solo Ensemble and will compete in the Large Ensemble Festival as well. For the Elementary Concert, the K-2 will put on a play, accompanied by the 6th Grade Band. Down the road, Capps said she would like to take the band to Worlds of Fun, Show-Me Showdown, and MMEA.

Capps reported that the school has a massive surplus of instruments accumulated over the years. She and the administration will come up with a plan to care for and use them over the next few years.

Board President Rodney Brown presented a certificate of appreciation to outgoing board member Stephanie Hardy for her service to the board. She is not seeking reelection this year. Seeking reelection are incumbents Jeff Andrews and Tyler Steele along with challengers Amanda Gilland and Amber Monticue.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that character superstars for February did a party with the Principal and Mrs. Pottorff. In conjunction with Worth County Emergency Management, the school conducted a tornado drill on March 7th. An Elementary Math Contest was held at Northeast Nodaway; qualifying from Worth County were Lance Abplanalp, Alison Anderson, Levi Cassavaugh, Ethan Frese, Tyler New, and Zane Rippy.

Sue Robison from University Extension comes every Tuesday to teach nutrition classes with the students. 2nd graders worked on sorting a variety of different foods into the five different food groups. 3rd graders are learning about the different nutrients that bodies need to be healthy.

A career day was held for the fourth through sixth graders organized by Mrs. Pottorff. Six different speakers came to the school to talk about their work. They were Matt Pearl (Times-Tribune), Amber Monticue (Great Western Bank), Dan Weddle (Hilltop Vet), Austin Hann (Nodaway County Sheriff's Department) along with the drug dog, Barry McClellan (United Electric), and D.J. Engel (Natural Resources and Agriculture).

Principal Jon Adwell reported that 8th graders had taken a tour of the Vo-Tech School with Ms. Owens. The FFA and FCCLA took a joint field trip and to Kansas City. They played laser tag in the limestone caves, went to the Oak Park Mall where there were huge can sculptures there, and did community service work at Harvesters.

The school received three bids for mowing the non-athletic grounds at the school. Larry Kinsella bid $300 per mow. Anthony Steinhauser bid $325 per mow. Kobbe Lawn Care bid $371.50 per mow. Anthony Steinhauser had mowed the school grounds for the last six years; however, the board awarded the mowing contract to Larry Kinsella, who was the low bidder. The vote was 4-2, with board members Stephanie Hardy and Matt Kanak voting to go with Steinhauser's bid.

The school solicited bids for a seven-passenger vehicle that would be used to transport the golf team or other school organizations to events. Glendenning bid $21,000 for a grey Chrysler Town & Country for $21,000 with 25,500 miles. Pettijohn submitted three bids. One was for a red and black Dodge Grand Caravan for $17,950 (28,119 miles). One was for a black and gold Chrysler Town & Country with 26,591 miles for $20,500. The third was for a white and black Chrysler Town and Country with 25,627 miles for $20,500. The board elected to go with the black and gold Chrysler because it had the school colors. The vote was unanimous and contingent on inspection by the bus supervisor.

The board voted to approve the application for a recycling program for the school, which will be done in conjunction with Rolling Hills, which also does recycling for Grant City. The school will recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, and tin. Students will collect paper throughout the classrooms and work areas. Custodial staff will consolidate paper into bags. Kitchen staff and custodial staff will break down cardboard boxes. Kitchen staff will rinse and compact tin cans. Plastic water and pop bottles from concession stands and vending sales will be collected. The Grant City Leo Club will remove caps and rinse bottles. Plastic and tin cans will be separated from the paper. Sorted materials will be stored in a shed, which will be built by the Agriculture Construction Class, or in enclosed trailers, using grant money. Grant money will also be used to purchase 6 bins to collect plastic bottles. The school is requesting $8,287 for the project. The in-kind match will be $1,615, all of which will involved labor by students and staff. Total project cost will be $9,902.

The school board approved the contract with the Worth County Summer Ball Board for the use of the ball diamond from April 1st to June 30th for a cost of $500/month. Previously, it had been handled by the Superintendent; however, the auditors told the school that board approval was needed. The ball board will manage little league and summer softball programs during that time frame.

North Nodaway Seeks Spark from Young Players

North Nodaway’s baseball team will be looking for a spark from its younger players as well as some of its returning players. They have 13 players out this year who have been doing as many repetitions as possible under coaches Jake Shipman and Cody Marriott. Marriott said that teams to watch for this year include North Andrew and North Harrison; the Cardinals started a new baseball program this year under former Worth Countyian Todd Simmons; North Harrison started a new baseball program last year and beat North Nodaway following the dismantling of boys softball. North Andrew has been dominant in football and basketball, so coaches are naturally wary about their new baseball team.

Peyton Coleman, Arron Coleman, and Dakota Smyser will be counted on to pitch for North Nodaway this year; they have been breaking in Dalton Smyser and Drexel Richardson as well in that position. Dakota has taken on a much bigger leadership role this year, helping everyone else out during batting practice. Will coaching be in his future? “That’s what everyone tells me,” he said.

The Mustangs lose Daytona Lutz, who graduated early to enter the Marines. That means they will need to find a catcher. A freshman, Tyler Bix, may step into that role. He was handling all the catching chores last Wednesday, going through some reaction drills with Marriott and catching the pitchers.

The Mustangs will have a lot of holes to fill from a team that was district runner-up last year. One player who may step up big this year is Logan Keho, who was hitting everything close to the plate all the way to the wall. Dalton Smyser started getting some solid contact after being coached not to turn his head while swinging. Garrett Torres also got some solid hits. They will join big guns such as Peyton Coleman, Dakota Smyser, and Arron Coleman at the plate.

Mikayla Cross is a person of many talents; she does softball, quilting, and now baseball. She said the biggest change from softball to baseball was the heavier bats; she said the smallest one was 30 ounces. In softball, most of the bats are 20 ounces. “That will make me stronger; that’s my goal,” she said. She is following in the footsteps of Northeast Nodaway’s Jill Spire, who secured a starting spot on Vance Proffitt’s squad, played errorless ball at second base, and got a critical hit to secure Northeast’s third straight conference title. “The other players have accepted her and are showing her the ropes,” said Marriott. Cross also has the support of her softball coach. “If anyone can do it, she can,” said David Carroll, her softball coach. She will compete for a spot on the infield and had a couple of solid cracks in batting practice last Wednesday. Peyton Coleman and Arron Coleman will likely play somewhere on the infield.

When not pitching, Dakota Smyser will play somewhere in the outfield. Also playing could be Austin Bird, who showed a rocket launcher for an arm in practice. He doesn’t know his own strength, but he was throwing the ball farther than anyone else.

Worth County Sheriff's Report

Officers working traffic control for a fire.
Officers served papers.
Person called for ID/OD on a trailer.
Person came in to report stuff stolen from residents.
Person called to report a pig out on road on 46. Owner notified.
Person called about a phone call scam.
Officers served papers.
A person came in to report that a wallet was stolen from a vehicle.
A person reports a threat at their residence.
A person called about a seater 4-wheeler.
Person in for ID/OD on vehicle.
A person locked keys in vehicle and needed assistance on getting it open.
A person called checking to see if 46 was open to Maryville.
Tested sirens.

1965-66 Tigers Excelled on Basketball Court, Classroom

The 1965-66 Worth County/Grant City Tigers posted their best season ever up to that point as they won 22 games, lost only two, and were GRC Tri-Champs along with Maysville and South Harrison. They set the school record at the time for the most wins, had three different players score over 30 points, and won three different tournaments in the course of their record-setting year. But Coach Bull Reece was just as proud of his team’s achievements in the classroom.

The season got off to an inauspicious start, as the Tigers dropped their first game of the year, to South Harrison. But then they warmed up and started winning, posting a school record of 21 straight wins, a record that still stands today.

Worth County begun the Worth County Tournament by building up a 14 point lead against North Nodaway. They held off the Mustangs, who had some strong teams back in the 1960’s, and won by six points at 63-57.

The trademark of Bull Reece’s team was balanced scoring, and the North Nodaway game was a typical scoring line. Larry Cousins had 15 points, Bill Barker and Kenny Prather had 13, and Jeff Jones had 12 as four Tigers reached double figures.

During the course of the game, during a timeout, Bull Reece is pictured in the Tribune sitting behind one of his players and leaving it to his players to work things out for themselves.

The win vaulted the Tigers into a semi-final match with archrival Albany. Once again, balanced scoring propelled Worth County to victory as Kenny Prather had 16, Bill Barker had 14, Bill Findley had 13, and Larry Cousins had 11. That put them into a match with King City.

Worth County jumped out to an 18-8 lead in that game and later extended it to 41-20 before holding off King City 70-58. Even then, Bull Reece had a reputation for the crying towel, but there was none during that game. Cousins had 19 points and 8 boards, Bill Findley had 13, Bill Barker had 9, and Jeff Jones had 9. The gym was completely packed for the final game, with standing room only for the championship game even with the stage opened. The cheerleaders performed a routine for halftime.
The next game saw Worth County hold off Gallatin after Larry Cousins and Jeff Jones fouled out. Prather had 19, Barker had 11, Findley 8, Cousins 7, and Jones had 4. In other news, the paper reported that Santa Claus was kidnapped and 1965 nearly came and went without Christmas. However, it was all in good fun as Sheridan was holding its school play.

The Sheridan game was one of the best games played all year. Eddie Nigh was the best player on the floor for the Bearcats, posting 20 points; he was followed by Reggie Carden with 19. But Worth County/Grant City took an eight point lead at the end of three at 42-34. What happened in the fourth quarter was one of the most frantic quarters ever played by a Grant City or Sheridan franchise as neither side could guard the other and both teams rang up points. Sheridan posted 33 points and Worth County/Grant City scored 29 to hang on with a 71-67 win. For Worth County, Bill Findley had 20, Kenny Prather and Jeff Jones had 16 each, Larry Cousins had 9, Barker had 5, and Nick Houk had 3. Among the other Sheridan players who scored included Jay Sanders with 15, Dean Nelson 8, and Johnny Farrell with 5.

The next game was a breather for Worth County. Cameron took a 3-0 lead, but Worth County scored the next 22 points to take control of the game. They led 43-9 at the half and cruised for the win. Prather had 30, Cousins 19, Findley 13, Jones 12, and Barker 11. Worth County had dropped one heartbreaker after another to Cameron in football, so this win was especially satisfying.
The Northeast Nodaway game, played against the legendary Claude Samson, was close for the first three quarters before Worth County pulled away for the 95-67 victory. Larry Cousins had 36, followed by Prather with 16, Jeff Jones with 15, and Bill Barker with 10. Jim DeFreece did all he could for Northeast, posting 28 points. David McGinnis followed with 25.

Worth County won their second tournament of the year with an 89-55 victory over Gilman City. The Tigers scored what may have been a school record of 74 points in a half, racing out to a 74-38 lead.
The next game saw a balanced attack as the Tigers beat Albany 62-52. Cousins had 16, Findley 15, Jones and Barker 10 each, and Prather 9. Against Stanberry, Worth County led by 26-20 at the half and then got red hot in the second half, scoring 38 and getting the 64-52 to beat Stanberry for the tournament title.

Against King City, Worth County led by 11 at the half before winning 42-35 in a defensive struggle. Kenny Prather had 15 and Jeff Jones had 10.

The King City was loaded, with King City, the runner-up of the Albany Tournament, only seeded fourth. Stanberry, the runner-up of the Worth County Tournament, was the seventh seed. But Worth County got through the tournament and faced the undefeated Union Star Trojans in the championship round. Before this year’s Tigers ended Stanberry’s 39 game winning streak, the biggest winning streak the Tigers had ended was 18, as Worth County downed the Trojans 62-54 to grab their third tourney title of the year. Cousins had 22 points, Jones had 15, and Prather had 13.

But in an interview in the paper following the victory, Bull Reece said he was just as proud of how his players were doing in the classroom as they were on the court. Worth County’s players were averaging 7.9 out of 11 scholastically, which was very high. Five players were getting straight “E’s,” which corresponds to an “A” grade today.

The worrisome thing about it was that Worth County had to turn around and play Maysville the very next week. Not only was it the Courtwarming game, Worth County and Maysville were playing for the conference title. A win would give Worth County a three-way share of the title with South Harrison and Maysville, while a Maysville win would give them the outright title. The game was close all the way until John Hunt, Maysville’s best player, fouled out in the final few minutes and Worth County pulled away for the 55-46 victory. Cousins had 20 to pace the Tigers.

Roberta Craven was named Courtwarming Queen for Worth County. She was escorted by Kenny Prather and Larry Alderson. The other candidate was Carolyn Lynch (now Hardy), escorted by Jeff Jones and Bill Findley. Junior attendants were Jennifer Dawson and Joe Swift. Sophomore attendants were Nita McClellan and Arthur Murrin. Freshman attendants were Veronica Hones and Joe Bell. Crownbearers were Brenda Costin, Rickie Adams, and Janice Hardy (now Borey).

Bill Findley scored 34 points as Worth County topped Hamilton 83-64; he was the third Tiger to top 30 points that year.  It was the most ever. By contrast, this year’s Tigers had nobody break the 30 point barrier. Larry Cousins had 18, Kenny Prather had 13, and Frank Barker had 12.

In districts, Worth County started off against Stanberry. It is very difficult to beat good teams three times; Worth County trailed Stanberry after three quarters. But then they pulled away for the 77-61 victory as Larry Cousins had 28. Kenny Prather had 17 and Bill Findley had 14. The Tigers fell to South Harrison, which has frequently been a nemesis over the years, 69-63 in the semifinals. But in those days, regional tournaments had third place games, which allowed teams to go off on a winning note sometimes. Larry Cousins scored 35 points as Worth County raced to a 92-82 victory over Savannah to end their season at 22 wins. It would be the most wins the Tigers would post until 1982-83, which set a school record for wins with 23 by beating Albany in the Regional Finals.

Worth County had the most players named to the all-GRC Squad with three Tigers named to a loaded field. Larry Cousins, Bill Findley, and Kenny Prather were named to the squad. All but two of the teams had at least one player named to the squad.

Tigers Fall Short vs. Cards; Match Highest Win Total Since 1996

Worth County had its deepest run ever into the post-season and matched their highest win total since 1996 with 21 wins, but they fell short 54-41 against North Andrew Friday in St. Joseph. The last time Worth County won that many games, none of the current players were born, while P.J. Sanders, Daniel Gladstone, Nate Combs, Dustin Lambert, and friends were starting. The last time they won more was in 1982-83, when they were 23-4 and won Regionals before falling in Sectionals to Northeast Nodaway in the same building where they played against Braymer and North Andrew this year.

North Andrew, who has only lost one game this year, to Stanberry, has one of the quickest guards in the area in Ryan Hughes, who was a matchup problem for all the other teams the Cards faced this year. He was much quicker than anyone the Tigers had on the floor, and that opened everyone else up throughout the contest.

It was ten minutes into the game before the Tigers could find their footing against North Andrew. The Cardinals scored the first six points of the game; Worth County countered with an inside shot Mason Hawk and a drive from Ryan McClellan, but then fell asleep on defense and the speedy Hughes rushed it down the floor for a layup to spark a 9-2 run. When the dust had settled, North Andrew was on the verge of a blowout early in the second quarter with a 15-6 lead.

Finally, Ryan McClellan took on three North Andrew defenders and got two free throws to stop the bleeding; Tevin Cameron, the man of the hour against Mercer, jumped a pass to make it 15-10. Jacob Powelson’s three point play made it 20-12, but Cade Allee’s triple capped a 6-0 run that made it 20-18 before Lance Streeb’s backdoor look made it 22-18 at the half.

Cade Allee knocked down two more triples to bring the Tigers to within 25-24, but then missed two good looks that would have put Worth County in front. The teams traded buckets for the next few minutes until Caleb Patterson scored off a drive to make it 31-28. The backbreaker was a tipin from Aiden DeLong at the buzzer that made it 33-28 and totally sapped the energy out of Worth County.
Nothing went right for Worth County as Patterson scored on another fast break and Cole Thorburn went backdoor to make it 37-28. A triple that would have answered it from Tevin Cameron hit the shot clock and caromed through the hoop, but was ruled out by the officials.

Hughes’ drive with 5:03 left made it 39-28, but Drake Kinsella’s three point play and Cade Allee’s backdoor look from Tevin Cameron stopped the bleeding and made it 40-33 with 3:56 left, but DeLong, who had burned Worth County all night from the post, did so again, going backdoor and getting a three point play to make it double digits again at 43-33 with 3:27 left.

Worth County was finished at that point as they couldn’t keep up with the quicker Cardinal squad down the stretch as the Cards led by as much as 49-33 before a late rally could only get it down to 10 by the 20 second mark.

Hopkins CBC Elects New Officers

The Hopkins CBC elected new officers for the 2017 year. Elected were Lorrie Schatz (President), Brittney Stringer (Vice-President), Barb Miller (Treasurer), and Lynette Berg (Secretary).

Teresa Keller, Interim Executive Director of the State CBC, attended the meeting and talked to them about getting rid of run down buildings. She said that the three most common issues she heard from the 53 communities that are members are run down buildings, broadband, and the enforcement of ordinances. She said that several had used CDBG money to tear down structures, while some others took up collections and then tore down buildings whenever they could pay for one. She said there were other grants out there that could pay for fixing up houses that were still livable.

Lynette Berg reported that a new community bulletin board was going up in Hopkins near the community building and city hall.

The material for the ball diamond fence has been delivered. The CBC thanked Ron Houston for storing the materials until they could be used for the project. Don Crane reported that he was lining up work for the walking trail.

Sandi Lawson reported that t-shirts for the Barn Quilt Festival are coming. Persons interested in shirts or in displaying a 2x2 or 4x4 barn quilt should contact Lawson. There are now almost 100 barn quilts. Barn quilts are the property of the Hopkins CBC.

Drake Kinsella Wills Tigers to Victory Over Braymer

Drake Kinsella willed Worth County to victory over Braymer by scoring 17 of his team's 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Tigers came away with a 52-43 victory over the Bobcats. Worth County had trailed by as much as 29-21 in the third quarter before closing to within 29-27 to start the fourth. It is the farthest the Tigers have ever gone; they lost to Northeast Nodaway 43-41 in the same building back in 1983. The Tigers are now 2-0 in revenge matches; they also avenged their loss to King City during conference play.

It looked for all the world like Worth County would have an easy time of it in the first quarter as they raced out to a 17-5 lead after one. Cade Allee scored two out of his three triples in the period. Mason Hawk blocked three shots in the frame and added a  backdoor look. Jacob New, who played his best game of the year so far, knocked down a triple from the right wing, and Ryan McClellan added a pullup at the buzzer.

But then Braymer made an adjustment where they packed everything in and left Mason Hawk open outside, while playing everyone else really right. Their post player, Austin Hall, came alive by hitting some tough shots inside while Jordan Miller added a pair of triples as they erased Worth County's lead and tied it 20-20 at halftime. It looked like a repeat of the last game to start the third as Worth County was rushing up quick shots instead of running their offense against Braymer's defense. Mason Hawk picked up his third and fourth fouls as Braymer built up their 29-21 lead, and Worth County went 11 minutes without scoring a field goal and only scoring one free throw.

But finally, three things happened that got Worth County back on track. The first was that they got back to their strength as they started feeding Drake Kinsella at will in the paint. The second thing was that one of Braymer's players hit Ryan McClellan hard and slammed him into the floor late in the third while going after a loose ball; not only did McClellan get up right away, it only served to fire up Worth County's players. The third was that one of Braymer's players fouled McClellan with a tenth of a second left when he could not have possibly got a shot off; he made both the ensuing free throws and gave Worth County two points they would otherwise not have had.

The wheels came off for Braymer starting in the fourth quarter as Hall picked up his fourth foul trying to guard Kinsella; Drake's 3-point play put Worth County into the lead for good at 30-29. Ryan McClellan scored off a Tevin Cameron steal and then Worth County got two gift points when McClellan was fouled on the Braymer end of the floor during a rebounding situation; he hit both free throws to make it 34-29. Cade Allee and Tevin Cameron both fed Drake inside to make it 38-32, but then Braymer mounted one last comeback bid as Rogers hit a 3-pointer for them and Hall broke away for a layup as Worth County overextended trying for an offensive board and the Bobcats closed to within 38-37. But then Drake Kinsella scored four more to make it two possessions again at 42-37, the second one following a Jacob New steal; he collected three steals in the second half.

Rogers scored off a drive for Braymer to make it 42-40 with 2:57 left after Braymer had hit a free throw, and Braymer got the ball back, but a three-pointer west astray that would have put them back ahead, and Kinsella hit two free throws on the other end. After Hall missed a leaner for Braymer and Kinsella scored off a backdoor look from Mason Hawk to make it 48-40, Jacob New got a steal, Worth County ran the clock down to 56 seconds, and Braymer had to foul the rest of the way.